Europe’s Data Centre Boom: What Record 2025 Take-up Means for the Talent Market

Europe’s data centre market is experiencing historic momentum — and the year ahead is set to break all records.

According to new research from CBRE¹, colocation take-up in key European markets is projected to hit 855 megawatts (MW) in 2025, representing a 22% year-on-year growth. This would mark the fastest rate of expansion in four years and set a new benchmark for data centre demand across the region.

For businesses operating in the Mission Critical space, this signals a seismic shift — not just in infrastructure, but in the race for qualified talent.

 

Demand Surges, Supply Struggles

Despite this growth, the data centre industry is contending with ongoing challenges around land availability and power access. CBRE’s report highlights that demand is expected to outpace supply for the third year running, with developers unable to build quickly enough to match leasing demand.

Much of the pressure stems from the requirements of hyperscalers and the rapid advancement of AI infrastructure, which are fuelling demand for much larger, single-let facilities.

As a result, the market is evolving fast, with facilities of unprecedented scale being planned and delivered across Europe.

 

London & Frankfurt Lead the Charge

Nearly half (46%) of 2025’s projected take-up is expected to come from London and Frankfurt — Europe’s two largest colocation markets. These cities continue to anchor the region’s digital infrastructure expansion and remain hotspots for both development and investment.

But this also means heightened competition for engineering, construction, commissioning, and operational talent, particularly for contractors and developers delivering large-scale builds under tight timeframes.

 

What This Means for Employers

At Insight Recruitment, we’ve seen first-hand how this demand surge is reshaping the Mission Critical talent landscape. From electrical engineers and project managers to design consultants and commissioning leads, the need for skilled, experienced professionals is growing faster than ever.

With supply constrained and timelines pressured, securing the right people isn’t just an HR challenge — it’s a strategic advantage.

 

Supporting Data Centre Growth with the Right Talent

As specialists in Mission Critical recruitment across Europe, our team is deeply embedded in the data centre ecosystem. We understand the pace, complexity, and scale that today’s projects require — and we work proactively with clients to match them with top-tier professionals who can deliver.

Whether you're building from the ground up, scaling operations, or expanding your portfolio across borders, we can help you access the expertise you need to keep moving forward.

 

Get in touch with one of our specialist consultants to find out how we can support your next phase of growth.

 

 

1. CBRE. “Data Centre Take-up in Europe to Reach New Peak in 2025.” June 2025. Available here.